What is a characteristic of a low-context culture?

In a low-context culture, communication tends to be direct and explicit, making it easier for individuals to understand the message without relying heavily on surrounding context or non-verbal cues. This clarity in communication is essential in such cultures, where the value is placed on the spoken or written word rather than the implicit understanding that might be derived from situational factors. In contrast to low-context cultures, high-context cultures often infer meaning from the context of a conversation, placing less emphasis on the directness of the spoken dialogue.

This characteristic fosters an environment where clear expectations, direct information exchange, and explicit instructions are crucial, particularly in business settings where misunderstandings can have significant repercussions. The preference for straightforwardness in low-context communication helps to facilitate efficient interaction, especially in diverse or cross-cultural environments where clarity is paramount.